Pain in the Neck

onTrek said:

Is there something to be done regarding neck pain? Let me clarify what I'm asking. I'm on a road bike and pushing around 40-50 miles. After an hour or so, my neck muscles are becoming tense due to looking forward. This isn't overly serious and I'm sure many have experienced this discomfort. Is there anything other than adjusting to it that would reduce some of the pain? (i.e. seat placement). I try and vary my hand placement from being up on the bars to down in the hook (for speed and wind).

It's either because your helmet is too heavy, your head is too stationary, or your riding position is too low. Maybe try a lighter helmet, tilt your head from side to side occasionally, and/or raise handlebar or install a stem with shorter extension.

LBguy said:

It's either because your helmet is too heavy, your head is too stationary, or your riding position is too low. Maybe try a lighter helmet, tilt your head from side to side occasionally, and/or raise handlebar or install a stem with shorter extension.

On a lighter note I had a severe neck pain after coming back from a long winter ride and found my left front fork had cracked at the lug hence increased vibrations and the pain!

onTrek said:

Is there something to be done regarding neck pain? Let me clarify what I'm asking. I'm on a road bike and pushing around 40-50 miles. After an hour or so, my neck muscles are becoming tense due to looking forward. This isn't overly serious and I'm sure many have experienced this discomfort. Is there anything other than adjusting to it that would reduce some of the pain? (i.e. seat placement). I try and vary my hand placement from being up on the bars to down in the hook (for speed and wind).

Just started riding again after an almost 10 year forced layoff (knee issues, now have a total knee.) I never had neck pain before but started having some after getting up to rides over an hour and a half/ two hours. I have been able to isolate it to tension in my upper back and shoulders. I find that if, without changing my torso position, I bend my elbows a bit and bring them in towards the center of my body the neck pain will subside. Your mileage may vary, but it works for me.